As Schools Reopen, Easy Options for Packed Lunches Can Help Drive Dairy-Case Sales

As the 2020-2021 school year inches closer, it seems increasingly likely that many students will be going back to school in person. On July 23, the CDC issued a statement urging parents and policymakers to send their children back to school, arguing that the educational, social and physical benefits outweigh any health risks kids might face.

With this scenario in mind, grocery retailers can prepare for an uptick in demand for easy, nutritious, kid-friendly lunches that parents can quickly pack and that kids love. Products from Frigo^® Cheese Heads^®—including classic cheese sticks, light cheese for smart snacking and snacking combos with protein-packed meat and cheese pairings—can check every box. Here’s how.

Convenience and versatility make the sale

Especially when many parents have their hands full juggling work and other responsibilities, they’ll likely be looking for time-saving solutions at the grocery store. Plus, with many families looking for ways to cut costs, a product that’s as affordable as it is convenient will always be a win-win.

Individually wrapped cheese sticks take seconds to throw into a packed lunch, and they’re easy for kids to enjoy during rushed lunch periods as well. Frigo^® Cheese Heads^® Snacking Combos feature options such as Sharp Cheddar & Beef Sticks, Ham & Swiss and Mozzarella & Salami for a quick, packable entree that requires zero prep work for parents. Plus, the protein boost helps keep kids feeling full throughout busy school days.

Cheese tends to be a winner for even the pickiest eaters, simplifying parents’ task of finding lunch options their kids will love. Still, everyone needs some variety now and then: With everything from string cheese and Colby-Jack variety packs, to Fresh Gouda, to On-the-Go Cheddar Parmesan Snack Bars, Frigo^® Cheese Heads^® offers enough variety to keep things interesting from week to week.

Even more, parents can use bite-size slices of cheese sticks and meat sticks to try out quick customizations such as pizza bagels, mini sandwiches or even kebabs with fresh veggies or fruit added on. Recipes like these can save precious minutes in the kitchen while still giving a packed lunch a handmade touch.

Giving back

Regardless of how different schools and families respond to the upcoming school year, the coming months are fraught with uncertainty. With the belief that funding school programs is more important than ever, Frigo^® Cheese Heads^® is renewing its commitment to schools through the fall 2020 Frigo^® Cheese Heads^® Build a Bright Future program.

Beginning Aug. 3, parents, teachers, family and friends can visit CheeseHeadsBrightFuture.com to nominate a school to win $10,000 for their science program. In addition, ten runner-up schools will each win $2,000! For a limited time, Frigo^® Cheese Heads^® packaging will feature favorite Peanuts characters, such as Snoopy and Woodstock, in astronaut gear to celebrate making science fun.

To learn more about how Frigo^® Cheese Heads^® and other Saputo Cheese USA Inc. brands can help grocers make the back-to-school season a success, visit saputocheeseusa.com.